de flaps of the envelope certain love
messages were written. These have been covered over with blank paper
and are not for publication.

[Illustration: (I) LETTER FROM HEAD OF SECRET SERVICE TO
PRESIDENT.]

[Illustration: (2) LETTER FROM HEAD OF SECRET SERVICE TO
PRESIDENT.]

[Illustration: (3) LETTER FROM HEAD OF SECRET SERVICE TO
PRESIDENT.]

[_Translation_]

CONTENTS OF WHITE ENVELOPE

_From Head of Secret Service to President_

PRETORIA, _February 12th, 1902_.

With Commandos all is still about the same as when I was here in
December. Much ammunition has been taken from the enemy
recently.

No want of food, horses fairly good, but clothing very scarce.

Three weeks ago I was with the Commandant-General. All well with
him. Government in good health, burghers full of courage. Good
tidings received from President Steyn.

_Everything_ plentiful in Free State.

General Botha is now in Ermelo district with 1,000 men; de la
Rey between Klerksdorp and Rustenburg, 1,500 men; Beyers near
Pietersberg, 1,000 men; Muller near Pilgrim's Rest, on Delagoa
line, with 600 or 700 men; Piet Viljoen between Heidelberg and
Middelburg, 1,200; Christian Botha, district Utrecht, 600; Smuts
has gone to the Colony with 1,500. These are the big Commandos
only. There are many small forces of 100 or a few hundred men
under petty officers. Engagements: January 15th General Botha
defeated enemy. Three wounded on our side. Enemy's loss, 46
killed, 92 wounded, 150 prisoners. 200 horses taken, 15,000
rounds of ammunition. Great victory by Commandant-General on the
3rd inst. No full report received yet.

Everywhere small engagements.

Many prisoners taken from our ranks lately, through the poor
condition of our horses. Things better now. De la Rey has had a
few small victories. On December 25th engagement under de Wet
near Frankfort. Our side victorious. A camp of 500 men taken,
150 killed and wounded, 200 captures, 2 Armstrongs taken with
400 shells; 1 Nordenbeldt with 2,500 maxim pompoms; rifle
ammunition 150,000; all the horses and cattle. The enemy is
plundered daily. Health of burghers excellent. Plenty of fruit.
Our losses, as usual, miraculously small.

Through perseverance and faith we hope to gain a certain
victory.

CHAP